caldazar
98 ( +1 | -1 )Because after 4... Nxd4 5. Qxd4, it's not particularly easy for Black to kick the queen out of the center. ...c5 pawn thrusts can leave Black with holes, ...Ne7-c6 is playable but a tad slow, and 5... Qf6 can be met by 6. Be3. Since (as I recall), Scotch theory reckons that Black can achieve full equality in the main lines, most strong Black players see no reason to duck the main lines to play 4... Nxd4 and concede even the tiniest advantage to White. However, since many of the Scotch lines are a bit complicated and thus heavily favor the player who has done his opening homework, some amateurs players see no reason to enter into such difficult lines and prefer to concede 4... Nxd4 5. Qxd4 since such small concession is a small price to pay to achieve a manageable position. That and the fact that such minute swings in the advantage that typically arise out of openingsare pretty meaningless at lower levels of play to begin with.